Would “Saint” Dorothy Day like that?
November 14, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia 10 Comments
In just about any article or bio of Dorothy Day, one of the first quotes you'll come across that is ascribed to her is, "Don't call me a saint; I don't want to be dismissed that easily." One the heels of news that the USCCB has enthusiastically endorsed her cause Father James Martin, S.J. talks to Robert Ellsberg (who edited her wonderful diaries for The Duty of Delight) about that remark, what it means, and in what context Dorothy might have made it:Dorothy’s own relationship with saints was anything but cynical. Both her daily speech … [Read More...]
Bread and Circuses: Benghazi Becomes Sex Farce
November 13, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Somewhat apropos of what I have written here about rejecting the pop culture which drives much of conventional wisdom and traps us into mob thinking, I find myself repulsed by the number of comments I see in social media that run along the lines of "can't wait to see what SNL does with the Petraeus story" and of course, the nonstop sniggerings perpetual adolescents bring to any salacious story.A long time ago, when anticipating the sort of coup that has just taken place, I wrote:We have lost our bearings and our boundaries so … [Read More...]
The End of the World as We Know it. I Feel Fine. Update
November 13, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
My First Things column today will offend some, I know, but I hope it's a net-uplift for many, that it helps others feel as relieved as I do that last week's election was a clarifying move against what has become a stagnated impotency. It is not the move I would like, but those who think we just voted for the "status quo" have it all wrong. Quite … [Read More...]
For Veterans Day: Remember Past, Honor Present
November 12, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
In a previous post, we noted that some Veterans carry their spirit of service back home with them and use that energy with disaster relief.With the release of Jake Tapper's new book, we can further appreciate that spirit on this Veteran's Day, and Tony Rossi's high recommendation has certainly piqued my interest in learning more about our … [Read More...]
The Vets and First Responders of Team Rubicon Meet Sandy
November 12, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Team Rubicon will win -- they're determined veterans, doctors and nurses and first responders and they still have that can-do American spirit. They're doing good for a lot of different people -- in a lot of different ways -- as this Vet explains in this moving video.Happy Veteran's Day, and thank you, all mil personnel, all vets, for your … [Read More...]
Happy Birthday, Dorothy Day!
November 9, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
“I really only love God as much as I love the person I love the least.” ― Dorothy DayThis, of course, is correct, and precisely why I have to go to confession on Saturday. I have to confess to loving Harry Reid very, very, very little and badly.Happy Birthday to Servant of God Dorothy Day; Benedictine Oblate, fangirl of St. … [Read More...]
“It means we all need to play the oboe…”
November 9, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Do yourself a favor and watch this talk by Father Peter Cameron, O.P. of Magnificat magazine."What converted the warriors? It was beauty...'Beauty is one of the rare things that do not lead to doubts about God.'" [...] "'Whenever we encounter something attractive and desirable,'" says Pope Benedict 'we are moved spontaneously and not by … [Read More...]
Credo: Brutal Honesty and UnBrutish Reason
November 8, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Yes, I am still trying to find time to write about the election (my first reactions are here) but until I do here is one thought and links to two must-reads:Thought: I need to go to confession this Saturday, because just looking at Harry Reid was bad for my soul this morning. I wonder if going to confession and unloading all of our negative … [Read More...]
Post-Election ’12: Welcome to Interesting Times -UPDATED
November 7, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Have been too busy to really put down my thoughts about yesterday's election, but I can tell you that I am not at all despairing -- in fact I've been doing Cher-smacks and telling people to "snap out of it" all day -- nor do I feel doomsdayish; rather I feel very grateful to have things clarified for us in such a way.I will write more -- … [Read More...]
Come, Pray the Luminous Mysteries with Me!
November 6, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Aside from being aggravated by some minor, but continual, issues with my computer today, I'm feeling pretty peaceful about the election, in general. I have no idea who will win, although I suspect Romney is in a stronger position than poll purchasers wanted to see, but I could be wrong.Either way I am at peace. Perhaps it's because of my … [Read More...]
So, how was your voting adventure? OPEN THREAD
November 6, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Super busy today and wondering how it went for you all -- waited longer than usual to vote this morning, but there were also extra lines for out-of-district folks who had been displaced by Hurricane Sandy, so it was hard to get a read on turnout where I live. How's by you? Some disturbing stories out there of shenanigans and donnybrooks, but not … [Read More...]
My Election Day Prayer
November 6, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Originally wrote this for the 2008 election, but whatevs:Jesus, I trust in you. Our nation is overrun with noise, chatter and misdirection. It is not easy to discern the servants from the would-be masters, to know who wishes to serve the nation and who wishes to merely acquire power. Help us to see the way with clear eyes and an open mind. … [Read More...]
“Most Important Election Ever” meets the Psalms – UPDATED
November 6, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
In my column at First Things today I expose some of the cynicism I constantly battle within myself as my mistrust of all politics and politicians continues apace:Assuming it was ever real, the notion of electoral downtime, of productive governance, mindful that a day’s evils are sufficient thereof and that futures are dealt with as they … [Read More...]
Separating Ego from Election – UPDATED
November 6, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Our Year of Faith topics page, which is currently being sponsored by the Norbertine Nuns Capital Campaign, is featuring an usual piece for this election day, in that it is written by a Baptist, not a Catholic, a man who has been feeling fear and despair throughout this election season.November 4, the first Sunday of the month, was Communion … [Read More...]
“Our Life is Over Like a Sigh”
November 2, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
That astonishing vestment (to me, beautiful-in-message-and-execution) is making the rounds, on Facebook. It's a vestment specific to the day, as we celebrate All Soul's Day -- a day when, as Dawn Eden reminds us -- we remember that our loved ones are still with us, and that we are still connected to them via prayer.It's good to remember that … [Read More...]
Help for Sandy Victims or a Footrace? Tough choice!
November 2, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
I get the argument. Some are saying the New York marathon should continue because it's a display of the city's indomitable spirit, "nothing can bring us down, yadda, yadda" -- and I'm not saying that message is a bad one, per se.But we have children being buried, and lots of people in need of everything -- clothing, shelter, food, fuel, … [Read More...]
Luminous Arcs: NASA Pic Post-Sandy – UPDATE EUCHARISTIC?
November 1, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
Credit: NASA/MSFC David Hathaway / Spaceweather.comSays NASA:Yesterday, sky watchers around the NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, witnessed something amazing: A complex network of luminous arcs and rings surrounded the afternoon sun. "I've never seen anything quite like it," says eyewitness Bill Cooke, head of … [Read More...]
Order Monastery Candy, Cremes and Wreaths Soon!
November 1, 2012 By Elizabeth Scalia
I know, I know, I keep saying I'm going to create my annual "Christmas Gift Ideas" post but Sandy has slowed me down a little. I promise to have that for you this weekend (and I have some great stuff to recommend!) but a heads up here, for those of you planning to buy from Monastics -- most of them take their orders now and then ship near Christmas … [Read More...]
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